A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Xi'an for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Krabi or Xi'an?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Xi'an can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Krabi or Xi'an?

Krabi

Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.

Xi'an

Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Krabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $74, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $105. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Krabi and Xi'an in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $42
    Xi'an $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $84
    Xi'an $122
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Xi'an

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Xi'an? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Krabi


Hotels in Xian


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Krabi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $4.37
    Xi'an $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.42
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $3.14
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.51
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $6.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ATV Jungle Adventure in Krabi with Roundtrip Transfer: $38
  • Ao Nang Kayaking at Klong Rud with Hotel Transfer: $26
  • Ao Nang to Krabi Private Transfer: $30
  • Ao Nang: One-Way Railay Beach Longtail Boat Transfer: $31
  • Aonang any hotel to Donsak Pier Private transfer: $135
  • Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $101
  • From Ao Nang: Similan Islands Boat Trip with Transfer & Food: $164
  • From Khaolak : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Krabi and More: $87
  • From Koh Lanta: Speedboat Transfer to/from Ao Nang: $66
  • From Speedboat Transfer to Ko Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi: $31
  • Full Day Krabi Jungle Tour With Elephant Trekking Transfers: $83
  • Private Van (3-8 Pers) R/T Transfer Airport-Krabi-Airport: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • seat in coach Terracotta army within 3rd ring transfers W lunch: $70
  • Xian to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
  • Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Departure Transfer: $40
  • Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Arrival Transfer: $40
  • Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $58
  • Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $29
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $254
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $216
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $214
  • Xian Private Day Tour with Airport Transfer: Terracotta Warriors and City Wall: $225
  • Xian Highlights Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $245

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Xi'an?

Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Krabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Krabi $25
    Xi'an $22
Typical Food Prices in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $7.85
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $7.54
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $19
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $35
  • Mango Shake
    $1.57
  • Pad Thai
    $3.14
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.88
  • Pancakes
    $3.14
  • Coffee & Cake
    $2.36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 7 Islands Sunset & Plankton Swim with BBQ Dinner: $36
  • Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $39
  • Hands on Half-day Cooking Class by Authentic Thai Cooking: $39
  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $40
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Snorkeling: $40
  • Penny Thai Cooking Class Krabi: $45
  • Krabi Bites Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Krabi Kitchens Food Tour with 15 Plus Tastings: $45
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $45
  • Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night : $45
  • Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.

  • Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
  • Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
  • Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $37
  • Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
  • Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
  • Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
  • Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
  • Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
  • Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
  • Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $12
    Xi'an $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thai-English Book
    $10
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $25
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $19
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $14
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $7.85
  • Kayak Trip (for Two)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Krabi

For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.17
  • Railay Phra Nang & Diamond Cave Sunset Plankton Tour: $20
  • Railay Phra Nang and Diamond Cave Sunset tour: $21
  • Krabi 4 Islands Snorkeling and Thale Waek Full Day Tour : $21
  • ATV Adventure in Krabi Thailand: $22
  • Krabi ATV adventure tour 1 Hour : $23
  • Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $24
  • Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi : $24
  • Ao Thalane Kayaking Mangrove Forests Adventure from Krabi : $24
  • 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $25
  • 4 Islands & Krabi's Separated Sea Longtail Boat Tour: $25
  • Krabi 4 Islands Shared Tour with Lunch and Guide: $25

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
  • Private Half Day Tour to The Terracotta Warriors Museum: $88
  • 1 Day Beijing to Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour by Air: $779
  • 1 Day Private Tour to Terracotta Army & Huaqing Pool, No Shopping: $129
  • 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
  • 1 day Adventure Tour of Mount Hua in Xi'an: $85
  • 1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour: $112
  • 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
  • 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
  • 2 Day Private Terracotta Warriors and Mount Huashan Tour: $265
  • 2 Days Beijing Xian Private Tour by Bullet Trains with Hotel: $287
  • 2 Days Xian Customized Tour for Terracotta Warriors and More: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $5.00
    Xi'an $7.34
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:


  • Beer
    $2.83
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $9.42

Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:

  • Krabi Pub Crawl - The Best Nightlife Tour in Ao Nang!: $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Krabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Krabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Krabi and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an than you might in Krabi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Xi'an?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Xi'an, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.